Amazon is letting some US customers text an AI shopping assistant to order groceries, get gift ideas and track deals, with millions more to follow.
Amazon is adding a way to shop by text message. A small group of US customers can now text Alexa for Shopping, Amazon's AI shopping assistant, describe what they want, and have it ordered for them. The contact shows up on your phone as "Amazon Alexa." Amazon says millions more customers will get access in the coming weeks.
You can type what you are looking for, send a photo of the item, or both. Alexa for Shopping searches Amazon listings, texts back with recommendations, and places the order on your behalf. Amazon says it can handle weekly grocery orders, gift ideas, and finding products similar to something you photographed.
Amazon says Alexa remembers your tastes over time. If you often ask for vegan options, it will keep that in mind when it suggests products. It can also track deals and prices, then message you when something you are watching goes on sale.
The feature starts today with a small group of US customers. They will receive a text message inviting them to try it. Amazon says it will then reach "millions more customers" in the coming weeks. It builds on Alexa for Shopping, which launched in May and worked in Amazon's app and website.
The announcement as reported does not say whether there is a fee. It also does not explain how you confirm a purchase before it goes through, or how you review what was bought. Since Alexa orders for you, those details matter for anyone handing it a grocery list.
Amazon is not alone. Last month OpenAI launched a feature for texting its personal AI agent, Dot. In September, DoorDash added text-based ordering through its Ask DoorDash chatbot, which suggests dishes and takes food orders.
If you get the invite to text Alexa for Shopping, check how it confirms orders before you let it buy your groceries or gifts.
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